In late January 2022 we were approached by a private client to discuss a custom-designed feature wall installation of the 2D and 3D Wall Panels we offer in the substantial natural light-filled hallway of their Bedfordshire home.

Initial site meetings with our client and their interior designer explored their requirements from which we prepared; indicative pricing, arranged product samples, advised estimated lead times and formulated a brief. Once we established the client was interested in placing an order for installation we moved into the design and planning stage with them.

Design & Planning

Working in close collaboration with our good friends Form At Wood in Poland, where the panels are made, we set about interpreting the client brief which was very open to us showing them creative ideas but focused around working with the Caro Plus 3D Wall Panels (SMOOTH Series) and the Caro 2D Wall Panels (FLAT Series) and a selection of complementary but different standard stain colour finishes to the Oak panels.

By mid February 2022 we had developed four initial design themes that were presented as digital renders to our client, shown below.

The initial design themes were narrowed down to two preferred installation designs that would run across two walls in the hallway. From here we finalised the design detailing into one unique design presented as a full colour indicative render that was signed off by the client at the end of March 2022. At this time we made a further site visit to finally check and confirm the two wall dimensions and to ensure that Form At Wood had all the information they required to make the order.

Form At Wood detailed the precise make up of the order in terms of quantities of different panel types and stain finishes used in the approved design at the end of March 2022 and confirmed their quotation including shipping, estimated import tax and installation. Our client confirmed the order, Form At Wood invoiced our client direct and full advance payment was made by our client to Form At Wood to commence making the panels from early April 2022.

The installation was planned during the first week of July 2022. This required the order to be ready for shipping from Poland by mid-late May 2022 to allow 3 weeks for shipping, customs clearance and onward delivery. An allowance of 1-2 weeks was made for any unexpected delays and time, once delivered, for the shipment to be opened and stored to acclimatise to the hallway environment prior to installation.

Making

The final breakdown of 2D and 3D wall panels ordered for this feature wall composition was as follows:

Caro 2D (FLAT Series) x 4.5 sqm (87 pcs) ordered @ €165 per sqm
Caro Plus 3D (SMOOTH Series) x 16.5 sqm (315 pcs) ordered @ €665 per sqm

During the making process we kept our client informed on progress in relation to the planned schedule. This order was made and hand finished within 3 weeks from receipt of the order confirmation and full advance payment, and was then prepared for shipping to the UK.

Shipping & Customs

With every new enquiry we receive for these wall panels, we explain that Teer & Co is appointed by Form At Wood as a Global Partner for the UK market. We act as your point of contact throughout the process from the first conversation to the final delivery including installation when required.

Form At Wood export these wall panels in a ‘Business to Business’ transaction. This requires any order to be placed with them and paid in full in advance by the client through a company with an EORI number for customs clearance at the UK border. When the panels have been made, shipped and are at the UK border, the customer is contacted and required to pay the import tax and duties which then allows the goods to be released through customs and delivered to the customer address.

Installation

During the making of this order we provided details to our client on how they were to prepare the two walls, one of which was wallpapered, for the best possible adhesion and installation of the panels.

This feature wall design had some scale and complexity to it in terms of the approach to installing the panels. We discussed this with our client and proposed that experienced installers from Form At Wood came over to coordinate the installation to ensure the best possible outcome. Below is a short compilation of stills taken of the installation over 3-days.

On completion, we provided the client with information on how they should maintain the installation and the room conditions that would be required to stabilise the panels from one year to the next.

Lighting

For this project the client sourced and installed an elegant L-shaped grazing light that was set flush into the ceiling to cast even light down over the feature wall. This high-end lighting solution enhances the warm natural aesthetic created by the panels, and accentuates the elegant profile of the Caro Plus 3D Wall Panels (SMOOTH Series) as shown.

Please note that Teer & Co is able to recommend trusted professional lighting firms for sourcing and integrating beautiful solutions into feature walls we are commissioned to design, make and install.

Outcome

From the first conversation in late January 2022 to completion of the hallway installation in early July 2022, this customised order took 6 months to complete. Please note that these installations can be delivered in a shorter timeframe when required.

If you have any questions about this project or would like to discuss a customised or bespoke project of your own call us on 07957 627052 or email simon@simonteer.com.

Credits

A very special thank you to our valued client and to everyone at Form At Wood for their understanding, creativity, reliability and hard work. The project was a truly collaborative effort and would not have been possible without the following team members and contributors:

Project Lead: Simon Teer (Teer & Co)
Design: Simon Teer (Teer & Co) and Mateusz Halek (Form At Wood)
Making and Shipping: Form At Wood
Installation: Mateusz Halek and Kamil Schynol (Form At Wood)
Lighting: XAL

2022 Project: Customising a unique Feature Wall for a private client